GovBriefToday Header

What Happened Today – November 4, 2025

Trump continues governing like an emperor even as today’s election returns show Americans are unhappy with him.

Democrats flipped Virginia’s governorship with the state’s first woman governor, held New Jersey despite his meddling, and won New York City where a democratic socialist defeated Andrew Cuomo, whom Trump endorsed over the Republican nominee.

A federal judge heard testimony today about the Broadview ICE detention center where 100 to 150 people are crammed into cells, sleeping on floors inches from open toilets. The judge said the facility “has really become a prison” and will rule Wednesday on a restraining order. Meanwhile, Trump posted that millions of Americans would receive SNAP benefits only “when Radical Left Democrats open up government.” His press secretary walked it back hours later, confirming they would comply with Friday’s court orders requiring partial payments.

He doesn’t want to just be the Emperor of America. The White House is asking the UN to supply peacekeepers to Gaza where Trump’s “peace plan” makes him chair of the “Board of Peace,” a ruling committee that redevelops the land for hotels, casinos, and entertainment. Ask Atlantic City how that turned out.

Call your representatives today and demand they restore full SNAP funding for millions of Americans who need food.

Notice you’re seeing less news on social media? We track the data – you’re right. Social media networks are suppressing news stories more every day. Want to stop missing what matters? Get every brief in your inbox, 7 nights a week. Data, images, searchable archive. Free and private at govbrief.today.

#GovBriefToday #Resist

🟢 GovBrief Intensity Score 70
Low activity. Things are quieter than usual.
Previous 5 Days
🟡103|🔴141|🟡97|🟢70|🔴148
This is an indexed score based on news activity. 100 = our permanent historical baseline that is adjusted for weekdays and weekend days. Scores above 100 mean a busier-than-normal news day.
Today's Quote
I could smell the onions and mustard.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agent Greg Larimer testifying in the trial of Sean Dunn, who threw a sandwich at him. Larimer also testified the sandwich "kind of exploded" on his bulletproof vest.
Yesterday's Most Read

Stephen Miller has Virginia State Police seize 65-year-old activist Barbara Wien's phone in August over pamphlets distributed to neighbors criticizing Trump administration policies.

Today’s GovBrief News


Foreign Relations 1 of 13

U.S. circulates draft UN Security Council resolution authorizing international stabilization force in Gaza through 2027, requiring approval from 15-member council where China and Russia threaten veto.

15-member Security Council vote needed

Source: The Associated Press

November 4, 2025

Human Rights 2 of 13

Trump posts SNAP benefits "given only when Radical Left Democrats open up government" before White House clarifies he will comply with court order for partial reinstatement.

40+ million Americans receive SNAP

Source: Spectrum News

November 4, 2025

Voting Rights 3 of 13

Democrats win Virginia, New Jersey governorships and New York City mayor nearly one year into Trump second term, with federal workforce cuts driving Virginia victory.

Exit polls 90%+ Black voters Sherrill

Source: CNN

November 4, 2025

Voting Rights 4 of 13

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams fields complaints about closed polls on Election Day, explaining state has no elections today due to 1992 constitutional amendment giving local officials one-year break.

1 year gap every 4 years

Source: USA Today

November 4, 2025

Voting Rights 5 of 13

Maine voters approve red flag gun law 60% to 40% despite Governor Mills and police opposition, letting families petition courts to remove weapons from dangerous relatives after Lewiston shooting killed 18.

18 dead, 13 injured Lewiston

Source: The Bangor Daily News

November 4, 2025

Military 6 of 13

Defense Secretary Hegseth announces 16th attack on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific killing 2, bringing death toll to 66 as both parties demand legal justification and evidence.

66 killed in 16 attacks

Source: The Guardian

November 4, 2025

Criminal Justice 7 of 13

Federal prosecutors try DC man for throwing sandwich at Customs and Border Protection agent after grand jury refused felony indictment, with agent testifying "I could smell the onions and mustard."

Verdict expected Wednesday morning

Source: WUSA Washington

November 4, 2025

Immigration 8 of 13

Judge Gettleman says Broadview ICE facility "has really become a prison" and agrees to restraining order after five detainees describe 100 to 150 people sleeping on floors near open toilets.

100 to 150 people per cell

Source: The Chicago Sun-Times

November 4, 2025

Federal Personnel 9 of 13

FBI Director Kash Patel fires, unfires, then refires 4 agents connected to Jack Smith probe and Arctic Frost investigation in chaotic 24-hour purge of investigators.

27-year-veteran also fired

Source: NBC News

November 4, 2025

Federal Personnel 10 of 13

Trump administration suggests 650,000 furloughed federal workers may not receive back pay after 34-day shutdown despite 2019 law guaranteeing payment to all employees.

$3.8 billion in unpaid salaries

Source: The Washington Post

November 4, 2025

Federal Personnel 11 of 13

Trump restores billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA nominee months after canceling over Musk feud, as Chief of Staff Wiles tells Transportation Secretary Duffy to stop alleged leaks.

Isaacman donated $1 million to Trump

Source: Axios

November 4, 2025

Grift 12 of 13

IRS notifies 25 states that Direct File free tax service will end after Trump administration directs agency to replace it with public-private partnerships benefiting TurboTax and competitors.

296,500 taxpayers used it 2025

Source: NextGov

November 4, 2025

Fighting Back 13 of 13

Senate Republicans slam Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby for not informing Armed Services Committee about Romania troop withdrawal and Ukraine assistance decisions as Democrats echo frustration over being excluded.

Romania withdrawal unannounced to Congress

Source: The Hill

November 4, 2025